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In Him Was Life
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIn the sacred narrative, God reveals a profound truth about life, declaring that the life of a creature is in its blood. This principle is first articulated to Noah after the Flood, emphasizing that the shedding of blood equates to the taking of life, demanding a reckoning for such an act. God further elaborates that the blood, containing the essence of life, is given upon the altar to make atonement for souls. This connection mirrors the concept of the breath of life, as blood sustains physical existence by carrying life-giving oxygen throughout the body, delivered through the breath entering the lungs. Thus, the blood embodies the breath of life, maintaining the vitality of every cell. This understanding underscores the significance of blood in sacrificial offerings. The blood of a sacrificed animal, representing its life, is sprinkled before the Lord and placed on the altar's horns, with any remainder poured at the altar's base. Every drop is offered to God, symbolizing that life, which belongs to Him, is returned in a symbolic act of atonement for the breaking of His law. Life must be given through blood to satisfy divine justice. In the ultimate expression of this truth, Jesus Christ, the Creator God, offered His life through the shedding of His blood. His brutal beating and crucifixion ensured that His lifeblood was poured out, a sacrifice of immeasurable worth, surpassing the value of all human lives combined. His blood, spilled from Pilate's court to Golgotha, paid for the sins of all mankind, rendering further sacrifice unnecessary as the veil was supernaturally torn, signifying direct access to God through His perfect offering. Unlike typical crucifixion victims who died by asphyxiation, Jesus succumbed swiftly due to the immense loss of blood, His life poured out as the ultimate atonement before God.
The Covenant of Blood (Part One)
CGG Weekly by Ronny H. GrahamWith the Bible's first mention of blood, it is metaphorically crying out to God. Later, God says 'But you shall not eat flesh with its life, that is, its blood.'
Everlasting Covenant of Blood
Sermonette by Ronny H. Graham'Blood is thicker than water' indicates that ties to the family come before any other alliances. Yet the 'blood' could also refer to the sealing of a covenant.
Passover and the Blood of Jesus Christ
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeChrist's blood does much more than remit sin; it gives eternal life. The Passover wine represents the blood of the covenant, by which we are made complete.
The Talking Blood (Part One)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Christ admonishes His people to prepare for difficult times by cultivating a close relationship with their Savior. Apart from Christ, we can do nothing.
Back to Life (Part Five)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsAll of us who are called by God are so precious in His sight that Jesus Christ, before we were even born, died for us, saving us from oblivion.
Why Two Goats on Atonement? (Part One)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeIn Israel, sins were symbolically placed on the altar throughout the year. On Yom Kippur, one goat's blood cleansed the altar; the second took away the sins.
How Did They Overcome? (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeThe blood of the Lamb grants us eternal life, as well as entrance to the Holy of Holies, enabling us to come before the throne of the Most High God.
The Offerings of Leviticus (Part Three): The Meal Offering
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe meal offering represents the fulfillment of the second great commandment, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." Here is how to understand this offering.
The Sacrifices of Leviticus (Part 4)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe meal offering represents the second Great Commandment, love toward fellow man. Our service to others requires much grinding self-sacrifice and surrender.
Offerings (Part Three)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe meal offering (grain offering) represents fulfilling our duty to our neighbor. he materials used in the meal offering symbolize Jesus' perfect character.
The Awesome Cost of Love
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughWe assess costs and values all the time in our daily lives. We should employ the same process to God's love for us in giving His Son as the sacrifice for sin.
Christ Coming in the Flesh
Sermon/Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughJohn and other biblical authors emphasize that Jesus Christ came in the flesh as a human being. Jesus had to be fully human to die for human sins.
The Sacrifices of Leviticus (Part 3)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughVarious animals were used in the burnt offering—bullocks, lambs, doves, and goats. Each depicts some characteristic of Jesus that we must emulate as we serve God.